Czech tennis player Barbora Krejcikova has hit out at the “unprofessional commentary” made about her appearance during a broadcast of the WTA Finals on Tennis Channel and called for respect and professionalism in sports media.

This year’s Wimbledon champion Krejcikova was part of the season-ending championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and was knocked out of the competition on Friday following her semifinal defeat to China’s Qinwen Zheng.

During a Tennis Channel broadcast on Friday, American journalist Jon Wertheim commented on Krejcikova’s forehead. “What do you think I am? Barbora Krejcikova? Look at the forehead when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court,” Wertheim said, apparently unaware he was on air.

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The clip circulated on social media and drew criticism from fans. Soon after, Krejcikova took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express her disappointment, saying moments like these “distract from the true essence of sport”.

“You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance,” two-time major champion Krejcikova said on Sunday.

“As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary. This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world,” added Krejcikova, who also won the 2021 French Open.

“I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media… I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honors the commitment we make to compete at this level,” the 28-year-old concluded.

WTA Shows Support For Krejcikova

The WTA also expressed support for Krejcikova, saying there is “no place in sport for inappropriate comments about female athletes”.

“The WTA stands in full support of Barbora’s powerful call for respect. This should be the norm for all women in all working environments. Respect is due as a right, not a privilege to be earned,” the women’s tour added.

Tennis Channel And Wertheim Apologize

Tennis Channel released a statement on Sunday saying the network immediately took Wertheim off the air once they were made aware of the comments.

“The network also apologized to the player, Barbora Krejcikova, as did Jon,” the statement added. “Jon has dedicated his career to shining a light on and growing this sport and has been a valued member of our family and the tennis community.

“That said, Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment.”

Wertheim issued an apology on X for his “deeply regrettable comments off air” and said he also apologized to Krejcikova.

The tennis expert explained the situation saying that the comments were made during a “private rehearsal” that “inadvertently and without context” went on air.

“I realize: I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be,” he added. “I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry.”